Bayville Intermediate Music Page

"Where The Wild Things Are" Podcasts
The 5th grade students of Bayville Intermediate School were given the challenge of orchestrating the story Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak, in their general music class. Musicians were divided into 6 groups, each group being responsible for a section of the story. They were told that someone must read their part of the story, and they had to come up with music to fit their section using instruments in the classroom. After experimenting and then practicing their parts, we recorded each groups’ music. We listened back to the recordings and made suggestions for improvement as well as citing what we liked about the performance. Common suggestions for improvement were “We could not hear the narrator,” and “they need to speak with more expression,” or “the drums were too loud!” Then the groups went back to work to make corrections and we re-recorded. The class voted on their favorite recording, the 1st or the 2nd, majority ruled. Lastly it was put together to form a whole finished project. The story was played for the 2nd graders and they loved hearing the story in a new way. We hope you enjoy hearing it too!

In grade three music, the children build on the foundation set in grades one and two. They further their study of note values, learn the names of the staff lines and spaces and continue to write and read music notation. More complex rhythmic patterns are introduced, as well as time signatures and musical terms.

Recorder playing is begun in third grade to prepare the students for the instrumental program now being offered in grade four.

In conjunction with their social studies, they learn songs and dances from Mexico, the Netherlands and Japan in addition to traditional American folk literature. Movement and listening remain an integral part of the program.

Fourth and Fifth Grade

Music

Music plays an important role in the total development of each child, encouraging them to experience the joy and fulfillment of participating in musical activities. The students will be guided towards an understanding of melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, dynamics, style and form.

Recorder playing is continued in Fourth Grade. The students further their study of musical notation and learn how to play in an ensemble. In conjunction with their social studies, they learn songs from traditional American Folk Literature. Movement and listening remain an integral part of the program.

Chorus

Our Bayville Chorus is open to all 4th and 5th graders. Rehearsals are held on Monday morning from 8:10 to 8:50 AM. The chorus performs in concert with the orchestra and band at the annual winter and spring concerts. The chorus members learn and practice good vocal technique and choral behavior while experiencing the joy of group performance in a variety of musical styles. Transportation for these rehearsals is provided by the district. Registration for interested children is done in September during regular music classes.

Orchestra

In the Intermediate School, children have a choice of playing any one of the four orchestral instruments (violin, viola, cello or bass). Instrumental Strings begins in third grade. Lessons are on a rotating lesson schedule with one lesson per week, culminating with participation in the school’s Spring Concert. Then in 4th and 5th grade children are given the opportunity to join the Orchestra, which rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:15 a.m., in addition to their weekly lessons. The Orchestra performs in the school’s Winter and Spring Concerts.

The primary objective of our string program is to offer our students the best orchestral experience possible. In the Intermediate School, we start off learning about our instruments and the basics to performance. By fifth grade we work to have a solid foundation and a positive musical attitude. In the Middle School we then build up each student’s musical ability and confidence and prepare them for higher education in music if he or she chooses to do so.

Band

The Bayville School Band is composed of students from the 4th and 5th grade. Band members receive one class lesson per week during school on a rotating basis. The whole band meets before school on Wednesday and Friday mornings. The band plays at the winter and spring concerts as well as for the Memorial Day school ceremony. This affords band members a variety of instrumental experiences.

To educate the whole student and inspire in everyone a passion for life-long learning.
To provide a safe and nurturing environment dedicated to academic excellence and the development
of a student's autonomy, accountability and commitment to community.